Photonovelas/Fotonovelas
Photonovelas/Fotonovelas are stories formatted with drawings or photographs to convey stories similar to comic books containing dialogues and descriptors either in bubbles or narrations that are suitable for populations with low reading skills.
effective strategies
The Challenges
Persons who have low academic or health literacy skills have problems understanding the messages contained in materials that are above their reading level. Therefore, strategies have been developed to address these challenges.
- One strategy is the development and use of Photonovela/Fotonovelas.
- Photonovelas are stories formatted with drawings or photographs to convey stories similar to comic books containing dialogues and descriptors either in bubbles or narrations that are suitable for populations with low reading skills.
Photonovelas/Fotonovelas
Using Photonovelas/Fotonovelas as a strategy follows the recommendation of adult education literacy programs which advocate for using narratives with imaging for education.
- Originating in Italy and Spain, and then used in Latin America and the United States, the photonovela was very popular for telling romance stories, offering simple versions of famous novels, or presenting movie shots in the form of stories.
- Because of its popularity, this strategy has been successfully used by health professionals to educate populations in underdeveloped countries and the United States about a diversity of issues, such as birth control, arthritis, immunization, and nutrition. Also, because of the story-based format, it responds to the strong oral traditions of groups such as Hispanics and African-based cultures.
Talking Photonovelas/Fotonovelas
Talking Photonovelas/Fotonovelas, different from previous models, use voiceovers, facilitating even better understanding to those with lower reading skills.
How to use the photonovelas
For Education
For Independent Learning
For Reinforcement
You can view or print the PDF files of the photonovelas/fotonovelas to educate in one-to-one or group settings. Clients an receive the PDF handouts before visiting the clinics or before procedures. They serve to educate themselves, to be prepared, and to share with others. Further, clinics can offer access to these materials waiting rooms.
For Reinforcement
For Independent Learning
For Reinforcement
You can print the photonovela/fotonovela handout for your client to take home after an education session or after a procedure to reinforce education. They can also use them to remember their experiences or to educate their family and community members.
For Independent Learning
For Independent Learning
For Independent Learning
The Talking Photonovelas/Fotonovelas are videos of the stories that include voice-overs for those who cannot read much. Professionals can share the website with clients and other community members or organizations for them to view as they wish. They can also be viewed in waiting rooms, for example.
Access the Photonovelas
Access the Photonovelas
Access the Photonovelas
- Photonovelas/Fotonovelas to display
- Photonovelas/Fotonovelas to print
- Talking Photonovelas to help educate
English Photonovelas
Access the Photonovelas
Access the Photonovelas
Say something interesting about your business here.
Spanish Photonovelas
Access the Photonovelas
Spanish Photonovelas
Say something interesting about your business here.